After my first really productive weekof the year, I mean the first one where I can anywhere
close to accomplishing as much as I wanted, and got my first solid
submission in on the revision of my Internet book, I felt that I
had earned the right to laze around all weekend. I did run a few
errands, and take care of some things around the house, but mostly
I sat around, reading and listening to music.

I did manage to track down my Dad
at my folks' house (which we call Haggles End) and had a good long
conversation with him and my mom. They both told me repeatedly
how much they enjoyed the holidays, which I guess is a form
of positive conditioning ("come back, come back...") but of course
nice. I sure did have a let-down crash after the new year though!
I guess nearly everyone who doesn't get depressed during
the holidays does so afterward. Starting off the year off my
stride didn't help, nor have the financial straits I've been
in. (Oh, but I did get a tax refund from '96 and manage to
pay all my outstanding bills, so the next crisis doesn't
come till the beginning of March.)